Planetary Relationships
In Vedic astrology, the relationships between planets play a crucial role in determining the effects of planetary placements in a birth chart. These relationships are categorized into three types: Natural (Naisargika), Temporary (Tatkaala), and Compound (Taat-kaalika).
Natural Relationships (Naisargika Sambandha)
Natural relationships are permanent and inherent to the planets themselves. They are based on the natural characteristics and qualities of the planets and do not change from chart to chart. These relationships are determined by the positions of the planets' moolatrikona signs and their exaltation signs.
For each planet, its friends and enemies are found as follows: Take the moolatrikona of the planet. The lord of the rasi where it is exalted is its friend. Lords of 2nd, 4th, 5th, 8th, 9th, and 12th rasis from it are also its natural friends. Lords of other rasis are its natural enemies. If a planet becomes a friend and an enemy on account of owning two rasis, then it is a neutral planet.
| Planet | Symbol | Friends (Mitra) | Neutral (Sama) | Enemies (Satru) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sun | ☉ | ☽ Moon ♂ Mars ♃ Jupiter | ☿ Mercury | ♀ Venus ♄ Saturn |
| Moon | ☽ | ☉ Sun ☿ Mercury | ♂ Mars ♃ Jupiter ♀ Venus ♄ Saturn | |
| Mars | ♂ | ☉ Sun ☽ Moon ♃ Jupiter | ♀ Venus ♄ Saturn | ☿ Mercury |
| Mercury | ☿ | ☉ Sun ♀ Venus | ♂ Mars ♃ Jupiter ♄ Saturn | ☽ Moon |
| Jupiter | ♃ | ☉ Sun ☽ Moon ♂ Mars | ♄ Saturn | ☿ Mercury ♀ Venus |
| Venus | ♀ | ☿ Mercury ♄ Saturn | ♂ Mars ♃ Jupiter | ☉ Sun ☽ Moon |
| Saturn | ♄ | ☿ Mercury ♀ Venus | ♃ Jupiter | ☉ Sun ☽ Moon ♂ Mars |
Temporary Relationships (Tatkaala Sambandha)
In addition to the permanent relationships, we have temporary relationships based on the planetary positions in a specific chart. These temporary (tatkaala) relationships are unique to each chart.
Planets occupying the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 10th, 11th, and 12th houses counted from the house occupied by a planet are its temporary friends. Planets occupying other houses are its temporary enemies.
For example, if Sun is in Aries, planets in Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Capricorn, Aquarius, and Pisces would be temporary friends of Sun. Planets in other signs would be temporary enemies.
Compound Relationships (Taat-kaalika Sambandha)
Compound relationships are derived by combining the natural and temporary relationships between planets. The table below shows how natural and temporary relationships combine to form compound relationships:
| Natural Relationship | Temporary Relationship | Compound Relationship |
|---|---|---|
| Friend (Mitra) | Friend | Good Friend (Adhimitra) |
| Neutral (Sama) | Friend | Friend (Mitra) |
| Enemy (Satru) | Friend | Neutral (Sama) |
| Friend (Mitra) | Enemy | Neutral (Sama) |
| Neutral (Sama) | Enemy | Enemy (Satru) |
| Enemy (Satru) | Enemy | Bad Enemy (Adhisatru) |
Significance in Chart Analysis
Whenever we refer to a planet being in a friendly house or an inimical house in Vedic astrology, we mean the compound relationships. A planet occupying a rasi owned by a mitra (friend) or adhimitra (good friend) is in a friendly house. A planet occupying a rasi owned by a satru (enemy) or adhisatru (bad enemy) is in an inimical house.
The relationships between planets significantly influence the results of planetary placements in a birth chart:
Planetary Strength
A planet placed in a sign owned by its friend gains strength, while a planet placed in a sign owned by its enemy loses strength.
Aspect Modification
The aspect of a planet is modified by its relationship with the planet it aspects. A friendly aspect enhances positive results, while an inimical aspect can increase negative effects.
Conjunction Effects
When planets conjoin, their relationship determines whether the conjunction will be harmonious or create conflict. Friendly planets enhance each other, while enemies can create tension.
Dasha Results
During a planet's dasha (planetary period), the results are influenced by its relationships with other planets. The dashas of friendly planets generally give favorable results, while the dashas of enemy planets can bring challenges.
Example of Relationship Analysis
Let's consider an example where Sun is in Aries, Moon is in Cancer, and Jupiter is in Cancer.
Sun's Temporary Friends: Planets in Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Capricorn, Aquarius, and Pisces. In this case, Moon and Jupiter (both in Cancer) are temporary friends of Sun.
Natural Relationships: Moon and Jupiter are natural friends of Sun.
Compound Relationship: Since Moon and Jupiter are both natural and temporary friends of Sun, they become "Good Friends" (Adhimitra) of Sun in this chart.
This strong friendship would enhance the positive significations of Sun in the chart and create harmonious energy between these planets.